Najib sues three top officers involved in 1MDB probe

KUALA LUMPUR: Embattled former Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has filed lawsuits against top investigators probing a multi-billion-dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), as he looks to clamp down on public criticism over his alleged role in the case.

Najib was arrested and charged in connection with suspicious transactions at SRC International, a former unit of the fund.

Najib, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding 1MDB and SRC, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

In a legal counter-attack, Najib is suing three top officials involved in the investigation into 1MDB.

In three civil filings made last week, Najib’s lawyers alleged that MACC chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull, police commercial crimes head Datuk Seri Amar Singh and Attorney General Tommy Thomas were prejudiced against him over the course of their investigations.

Badrul Abdullah, one of Najib’s counsel, said the applications were based on past statements made by the three individuals.

“We are seeking a court decision on whether there is an element of conflict of interest among the individuals handling the case,” he said.

His client, he added, is seeking costs and any further order and relief deemed fit by the court.

Court records show the three applications were filed on June 30 and named Najib as the applicant.

Lawyers for Najib and the respondents are scheduled to meet with two judges for separate pretrial hearings on July 16.

In May, Mohd Shukri said a 2015 investigation into 1MDB was suppressed, while Amar has led police seizures of nearly RM1bil worth of luxury goods and cash from premises linked to Najib’s family.

Thomas is the lead prosecutor who on Wednesday charged Najib with three counts of criminal breach of trust and one for abuse of power, related to RM42mil allegedly transferred into his account from SRC.